Predictors of starting and stopping chemsex in men who have sex with men in England: findings from the AURAH2 prospective study
Background
Chemsex (the use of psychoactive drugs in sexual contexts) has been associated with HIV acquisition and other STIs, so there is benefit in identifying those most likely to start chemsex to offer risk reduction interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To date, there have been no data from a longitudinal study analysing factors most associated with starting and stopping chemsex.
Methods
The prospective cohort study, Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV over Time (AURAH2), collected 4 monthly and annual online questionnaire data from men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2015 to 2...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Hammond, R., Cambiano, V., Lampe, F. C., Asboe, D., Clarke, A., Gilson, R., Hart, G. J., Miltz, A. R., Nwokolo, N., Johnson, A. M., Phillips, A. N., Speakman, A., Whitlock, G., Rodger, A., Sewell, J. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research
Sexual behaviour, STI and HIV testing and testing need among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men recruited for online surveys pre/post-COVID-19 restrictions in the UK
We examined sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing and testing need, and identified associated factors, among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the UK after COVID-19 restrictions ended, and compared these with ‘pre-pandemic’ estimates.
Methods
We analysed survey data from GBMSM (N=1039) recruited via social media and Grindr in November–December 2021. We then compared Grindr-recruited 2021 participants (N=437) with those from an equivalent survey fielded in March–May 2017 (N=1902). Questions on sexual behaviour and service use had lookback p...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Brown, J. R., Reid, D., Howarth, A. R., Mohammed, H., Saunders, J., Pulford, C. V., Ogaz, D., Hughes, G., Mercer, C. H. Tags: Open access, COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research
Surveillance of Mpox Cases Attending Sexual Health Services in England (SOMASS): design, implementation and initial findings from the SOMASS data collection tool, 2022
Conclusions
We demonstrate multidisciplinary and responsive working to develop a robust data collection tool, which improved surveillance and strengthened the knowledge base. The SOMASS tool will allow data collection if mpox resurges in England. The model for developing the tool can be adapted to facilitate the preparedness and response to future STI outbreaks. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Charles, H., Prochazka, M., Murray, J., Sexual Health Liaison Group, U., Soni, S., Haddow, L., Beets, K., Pilkington, V., Low, N., Candfield, S., Jones, R., Bleiker, T., Dewsnap, C., Phillips, M., Phillips, D. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
Experiences of initiating rapid antiretroviral therapy among people newly diagnosed with HIV in East London: a qualitative study
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring the experiences of people initiating rapid ART in the UK. It was deemed acceptable to an ethnically diverse, predominantly male sample of people newly diagnosed with HIV. Future research should include strategies to recruit a more gender diverse sample and those who declined or stopped rapid ART. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Dhairyawan, R., Milner, A., Thornhill, J. P., Kwardem, L., Matin, N., Orkin, C., Deane, K. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
Effect of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on chlamydia and gonorrhoea notifications and testing in Queensland, Australia: an interrupted time series analysis
Conclusion
There is a difference between the immediate and sustained impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reported chlamydia and gonorrhoea notifications and testing in Queensland, Australia. This prompts considerations for disease surveillance and management in future pandemics. Possible explanations for our findings are an interruption or change to healthcare services during the pandemic, reduced or changed sexual practices or changed disease transmission patterns due to international travel restrictions. As pandemic priorities shift, STIs remain an important public health priority to be addressed. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Dalmau, M., Ware, R., Field, E., Sanguineti, E., Si, D., Lambert, S. Tags: COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research
Hepatitis C testing among three distinct groups of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in the Celtic nations
Conclusions
Sexual behaviours associated with HCV acquisition among HIV-diagnosed and PrEP-using GBMSM are common but complemented by regular HCV testing within sexual health services. Current testing guidelines for these groups appear to be effective and generally well observed. However, behaviour-based HCV testing for HIV-negative/untested GBMSM not using PrEP appears less effective and may undermine efforts to achieve HCV elimination. Accordingly, we need to increase HCV testing for these men in clinical settings and explore ways to screen those who are not in touch with sexual health services. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Whiteley, D., Strongylou, D., Brown, S., Vickerman, P., Frankis, J. S. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
High prevalence and incidence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia in young women eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in South Africa and Zimbabwe: results from the HPTN 082 trial
Conclusion
Adolescent girls and young women seeking PrEP have a high prevalence and incidence of curable STIs. Alternatives to syndromic management for diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the burden of STIs in this population.
Trial registration number
NCT02732730. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - October 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Delany-Moretlwe, S., Mgodi, N., Bekker, L.-G., Baeten, J. M., Li, C., Donnell, D., Agyei, Y., Lennon, D., Rose, S. M., Mokgatle, M., Kassim, S., Mukaka, S., Adeyeye, A., Celum, C. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research
Research news in clinical context
Cervical screening intervals can be extended in women living with HIV following an initial negative human papillomavirus DNA test Firmer evidence is needed to guide cervical cancer screening in women with HIV. A study from India enrolled women with no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cancer and with normal colposcopy at baseline. Participants underwent annual colposcopies followed by three yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Among 869 women observed over a median of 3.5 years (IQR 2.8–4.3), 54 had incident CIN (CIN 1=35, CIN 2+=19). Among women with CIN endpoint assessments, CIN incid...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Tan, R. K. J., Vielot, N. A., Zace, D. Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research
The Prison Special Interest Group: striving for equitable sexual healthcare
Background People who are in prison have the same right to healthcare as everyone else. They should be able to access the same quality and range of healthcare as those in the community. Concerns have been expressed that confidentiality is compromised in detention settings; access to HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis is limited; availability of vaccines is variable; outbreaks of infections are more common and access to sexual healthcare in the UK is sporadic. The Prison Special Interest Group (SIG) was re-established at the beginning of 2020 with the aim to define standards of care for sexual health provision in prisons in the U...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Currie, S. Tags: BASHH column Source Type: research
Promoting sexually transmitted infection (STI) prophylaxis and community resource sharing in medical student-run clinics
Student-run clinics are an important component of many medical school extracurricular offerings. Patients accessing these free clinics are often uninsured and experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1 Medical student competence in discussing STI prophylaxis is paramount for promoting prevention. We sought to determine if a brief lecture would increase first year medical students’ comfort with counselling patients on STI prevention. A 30-minute lecture reviewing STI screening, prophylaxis and community resources was created by students and reviewed by a faculty physician. Pre-lecture and post...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Green, M., Bunda, B., Steele, M., Cahill, A., Kale, N., Dash, A., Rugile, T. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research
Self-sampling strategies (with/without digital innovations) in populations at risk of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Discussion
Self-sampling had mixed sensitivity, reached first-time testers and was accepted with high linkages to care. We recommend self-sampling for CT/GC in HICs but additional evaluations in LMICs. Digital innovations impacted engagement and may reduce disease burden in hard-to-reach populations.
PROSPERO registration number
CRD42021262950. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Vialard, F., Anand, A., Leung Soo, C., de Waal, A., McGuire, M., Carmona, S., Fernandez-Suarez, M., Zwerling, A. A., Pant Pai, N. Tags: Open access Systematic review Source Type: research
PivNG primers and probes set used in the cobas omni Utility Channel is a reliable supplemental test for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in oropharyngeal, urogenital and rectal specimens collected in cobas PCR Media
Conclusions
PivNG is a reliable supplementary test with high sensitivity for confirming NG infection when used in conjunction with the cobas CT/NG test and samples collected in cobas PCR Media. Moreover, the PivNG test offers a convenient, high-throughput solution for supplemental NG testing of various sample types, with the potential to reduce the number of indeterminate reports. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Hopkins, M., Arcenas, R., Couto-Parada, X., Lewinski, M., Njoya, M., Perinpanathan, D., Sheriff, R., Hansra, A., Singh, S. Tags: Open access Short reports Source Type: research
Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM), the active component of the topical contraceptive Yaso-GEL, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in preclinical studies
Conclusions
Yaso-GEL containing the API PPCM showed significant activity against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo in a female mouse model. These data support further development of Yaso-GEL as an inexpensive, non-hormonal and non-systemic product with both contraceptive and antimicrobial activity against gonorrhea and other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Such multipurpose prevention technology products are needed by women in all economic, social and cultural circumstances to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Pilligua-Lucas, M., Tkavc, R., Bash, S. K., North, B. B., Weitzel, M. B., Jerse, A. E. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research
Risk factors for HIV infection at a large urban emergency department: a cross-sectional study
Conclusions
The study ED services a high-risk population with regard to HIV infection. These data support universal screening of ED patients for HIV. Risk factor profiles could improve targeted screening at institutions without universal HIV testing protocols. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Ford, J. S., Mousa, M. A., Voong, S., Matsumoto, C. G., Chechi, T., Tran, N., May, L. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
Cost-effectiveness of testing for Mycoplasma genitalium among men who have sex with men in Australia
Conclusion
Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective option, even when the potential costs associated with AMR are accounted for (up to $150 additional cost per antibiotic given). For pathogens like MG, where there are anticipated future costs related to AMR, we recommend models that test the impact of incorporating an AMR tax as they can change the results and conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Ong, J. J., Lim, A., Bradshaw, C., Taylor-Robinson, D., Unemo, M., Horner, P. J., Vickerman, P., Zhang, L. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
